Pakistan to 'blacklist' 671 foreign nationals arrested over alleged criminal activities

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has decided to place 671 foreign nationals arrested during raids on call centres on the country’s foreign blacklist, preventing them from re-entering Pakistan, according to FIA sources.

The sources said the foreigners, who were allegedly involved in various illegal activities, will be barred from returning to Pakistan following the completion of the relevant legal and administrative procedures.

The FIA has also decided to investigate the local links and facilitators allegedly connected to the foreign nationals involved in criminal activities.

According to the agency, the suspects were allegedly involved in fraud, blackmail and other criminal activities while operating in Pakistan.

Some of those arrested were also allegedly involved in the international distribution and sale of sexually explicit online content.

The Foreign Office will reportedly be approached to share information about the alleged criminal activities with the respective countries of the detained foreign nationals.

The development comes as Pakistani authorities intensify action against illegal call centres and networks allegedly involved in cyber-enabled fraud and other criminal activities.